Just as I got back from two months away from home our two nieces ages 3 & 6 came to live with us for 10 days while their folks went on holidays.
Janis & I have been empty nesters for about 8 years so it is certainly a challenge, especially when we are trying to catch up on things after my absence.
The kids miss their parents a great deal and need lots of attention. And our house isn't as kid friendly as it was many years ago.
Our year end and accounting stuff is on us, making Janis' schedule busier than normal. I have lots to catch up on, especially with us going away for three weeks in January. And the big family Christmas bash is at our house in two more weeks too.
My hat is off to all those single parent sign professionals out there as well as those two parent teams who have little kids afoot and a busy business to run.
It's tough to get the necessary work done, and give the kids the love and attention they need and deserve - all at the same time.
We did it for many years while our kids grew up to be sure. The kids adapted and grew up with the business. We made it fun for everybody!
This week we are taking a trip down memory lane!
-dan
-------------------- Dan Sawatzky Imagination Corporation Yarrow, British Columbia dan@imaginationcorporation.com http://www.imaginationcorporation.com
Being a grampa is one of the the most wonderful things in the world!!! Posts: 8738 | From: Yarrow, B.C. Canada | Registered: Nov 1998
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Dan, now you know the wisdom of YOUNG couples having children. We have our grandkids for the weekend and by the time they leave we are exhausted.
I know that you always see the postive side of everything, so just remember the tragedy of those people who sit around all day with nothing to do but complain. Activity keeps you young. That's what I've heard anyway.
-------------------- Chapman Sign Studio Temple, Texas chapmanstudio@sbcglobal.net Posts: 6306 | From: Temple, Texas, USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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Some of my best memories were of the times I incorporated my son into signmaking activities. I suppose as a single dad I had little choice but he gained experience and work habits he would never otherwise have had without interfering with his schooling and sports.
His first independent job was for a client of mine shortly after he turned 16 and he has moved through several better jobs and lately has become a leading saleperson with an electronics chain store and having a blast doing that. On the side he still makes graphics for his friends and acquaintances vehicles.
The only significant time he and I seem to spend together anymore is when I require his help with installations and I have to book him well in advance. Of course secretly I wish that he would work with me but he has his own interests and agenda and I appreciate that. After all if I'd followed my fathers wishes I would have ended up a farmer and not had near as much fun.
I sure do miss having an extra set of hands conveniently available for moving around cumbersome boards and other minor tasks. Not particularly enjoying the empty nest!(LOL)
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You & Janis have a great opportunity here. Every kid needs a cool aunt & a cool uncle, ages 3 & 6 are the perfect time to set that relationship in place. My friends & I have often talked about how much we appreciate having had a cool aunt and/or cool uncle growing up. The worth of having someone we could trust, talk to and go to for advice, that wasn't going to ground us, was priceless. Treasure this opportunity.
-------------------- Chris Welker Wildfire Signs Indiana, Pa Posts: 4254 | From: Indiana, PA | Registered: Mar 2001
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Thank-you for acknowledging how hard some days (most days) are to think WORK WORK WORK when you have KIDS KIDS KIDS. I wouldn't have it any other way, however, I always feel a slight jab when someone says they spend all their spare time playing with letters when I feel like ie: escaping and want to paint my living room. Jab could also mean a 'tad' jealous.
Just think Dan, soon your nest will be empty again and the first thing that will come to your mind will be, "It's awfully quiet around here.."
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Dan, You are giving those kids memories that will last a lifetime. I am 64 and still get very, very sentimental when I remember my times with my "Uncle Dick". He has been gone for 40 years, but the memories are strong and happy ones. I remember him building radios from scratch while letting me watch. I remember him letting me go to 11 o'clock Mass with him so I didn't have to get up early on Sunday mornings. I most remember his arm frequently around my shoulder as he gave me advice and guidance that has lasted a lifetime. Ahh, the memories those kids will have about the amazing "Uncle Dan" and his fantasy shop.
-------------------- William "Irish" Holohan Resting...Read "Between Jobs." Marlboro, MA 01752 email: firemap1@aol.com Posts: 1110 | From: Marlboro, MA | Registered: Dec 2001
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I know exactly what you're talking about ...my two grandsons (and my son and daughter in law just left from a thanksgiving visit. We more than enjoyed it and found it to be somewhat challenging to keep the boys (10 and 13) interested in something ...anything.
Fortunately I had a pickup that needed "flaming" I gave them each a brush,paint and a panel to (practice) play on.
They had a ball ...they also helped masking the truck I cut one side then made a rubbing pattern off it to replicate the other side and had them perferate it...position it and pounce it...I even let them spray some of the first coat (not much I couldn't have any curtains)after blending they helped unmask and then I let them stripe the edge in one or two places (with the understanding grandpa gets to remove and fix any booboo's)they did a fair job that could be readily corrected and in thru the whole process we had some excellent quality time.
The reward came when we got home and the youngest said "you should see the truck (we) flamed...it was kewl".
Well that made my day...we had a wonderful time with their visit and I'm glad they made it home safely.
A touch of the craft didn't hurt them I hope and we're going to have them down this summer (one at a time) if you know what I mean. Who knows we may be creating a pair of heads altho I'd be just as proud to have them take up something that makes them happy and making some "real" money.
Now...I hope I can get used to the empty nest again...hard as it is.
-------------------- "Werks fer me...it'll werk fer you"
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